Making remote measurement technology work in multiple sclerosis, epilepsy and depression: survey of healthcare professionals.

BACKGROUND: Epilepsy, multiple sclerosis (MS) and depression are long term, central nervous system disorders which have a significant impact on everyday life. Evaluating symptoms of these conditions is problematic and typically involves repeated visits to a clinic. Remote measurement technology (RMT), consisting of smartphone apps and wearables, may offer a way to improve upon existing methods of managing these conditions. The present study aimed to establish the practical requirements that would enable clinical integration of data from patients' RMT, according to healthcare professionals. METHODS: This paper reports findings from an online survey of 1006 healthcare professionals currently working in the care of people with epilepsy, MS or depression. The survey included questions on types of data considered useful, how often data should be collected, the value of RMT data, preferred methods of accessing the data, benefits and challenges to RMT implementation, impact of RMT data on clinical practice, and requirement for technical support. The survey was presented on the JISC online surveys platform. RESULTS: Among this sample of 1006 healthcare professionals, respondents were positive about the benefits of RMT, with 73.2% indicating their service would be likely or highly likely to benefit from the implementation of RMT in patient care plans. The data from patients' RMT devices should be made available to all nursing and medical team members and could be reviewed between consultations where flagged by the system. However, results suggest it is also likely that RMT data would be reviewed in preparation for and during a consultation with a patient. Time to review information is likely to be one of the greatest barriers to successful implementation of RMT in clinical practice. CONCLUSIONS: While further work would be required to quantify the benefits of RMT in clinical practice, the findings from this survey suggest that a wide array of clinical team members treating epilepsy, MS and depression would find benefit from RMT data in the care of their patients. Findings presented could inform the implementation of RMT and other digital interventions in the clinical management of a range of neurological and mental health conditions.

The impact of data from remote measurement technology on the clinical practice of healthcare professionals in depression, epilepsy and multiple sclerosis: survey.

BACKGROUND: A variety of smartphone apps and wearables are available both to help patients monitor their health and to support health care professionals (HCPs) in providing clinical care. As part of the RADAR-CNS consortium, we have conducted research into the application of wearables and smartphone apps in the care of people with multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, or depression. METHODS: We conducted a large online survey study to explore the experiences of HCPs working with patients who have one or more of these conditions. The survey covered smartphone apps and wearables used by clinicians and their patients, and how data from these technologies impacted on the respondents' clinical practice. The survey was conducted between February 2019 and March 2020 via a web-based platform. Detailed statistical analysis was performed on the answers. RESULTS: Of 1009 survey responses from HCPs, 1006 were included in the analysis after data cleaning. Smartphone apps are used by more than half of responding HCPs and more than three quarters of their patients use smartphone apps or wearable devices for health-related purposes. HCPs widely believe the data that patients collect using these devices impacts their clinical practice. Subgroup analyses show that views on the impact of this data on different aspects of clinical work varies according to whether respondents use apps themselves, and, to a lesser extent, according to their clinical setting and job role. CONCLUSIONS: Use of smartphone apps is widespread among HCPs participating in this large European survey and caring for people with epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and depression. The majority of respondents indicate that they treat patients who use wearables and other devices for health-related purposes and that data from these devices has an impact on clinical practice.

Using the NANA toolkit at home to predict older adults' future depression.

BACKGROUND: Depression is currently underdiagnosed among older adults. As part of the Novel Assessment of Nutrition and Aging (NANA) validation study, 40 older adults self-reported their mood using a touchscreen computer over three, one-week periods. Here, we demonstrate the potential of these data to predict future depression status. METHODS: We analysed data from the NANA validation study using a machine learning approach. We applied the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator with a logistic model to averages of six measures of mood, with depression status according to the Geriatric Depression Scale 10 weeks later as the outcome variable. We tested multiple values of the selection parameter in order to produce a model with low deviance. We used a cross-validation framework to avoid overspecialisation, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis to determine the quality of the fitted model. RESULTS: The model we report contained coefficients for two variables: sadness and tiredness, as well as a constant. The cross-validated area under the ROC curve for this model was 0.88 (CI: 0.69-0.97). LIMITATIONS: While results are based on a small sample, the methodology for the selection of variables appears suitable for the problem at hand, suggesting promise for a wider study and ultimate deployment with older adults at increased risk of depression. CONCLUSIONS: We have identified self-reported scales of sadness and tiredness as sensitive measures which have the potential to predict future depression status in older adults, partially addressing the problem of underdiagnosis.

The role of a recombinant hybrid protein based ELISA for the serodiagnosis of Onchocerca volvulus.

AIMS: Onchocerca volvulus infection is traditionally diagnosed by examination of skin snips for the presence of microfilariae. A disadvantage of this method is the low sensitivity particularly with light or prepatent infection. Serodiagnosis using recombinant-antigen-based assays may provide a more sensitive diagnostic test. An ELISA based on a recombinant antigen OvH3 has previously been validated using sera from endemic areas. This study investigated the role of this ELISA-based assay for use in the serodiagnosis of onchocerciasis in non-endemic areas. METHODS: The ELISA-based assay was tested on sera from untreated patients with known onchocerciasis and on untreated and treated patients with definite or probable onchocerciasis identified from a hospital diagnostic database. The assay was also tested on sera from patients with other helminthic infections to determine the sensitivity and specificity of this assay in a tertiary referral laboratory dealing with sera from a variety of patients. RESULTS: The sensitivity and specificity of the OvH3 assay were 93.2% and 93.5%, respectively, when tested on non-endemic patients with clinical diagnosis of onchocerciasis. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the potential role of the assay as a sensitive and specific test for use in the serodiagnosis of onchocerciasis in a reference laboratory dealing with sera from patients in non-endemic setting.

Who enrolls in a self-help cessation program for smokeless tobacco?

To further our understanding of the representativeness of the smokeless tobacco (SLT) user recruited to various treatment settings, and to suggest gaps in services available to SLT users, we first compared participants who enrolled in a self-help cessation program with two samples of nontreatment-seeking SLT users: SLT users identified through a random digit dialing (RDD) survey, and SLT users who came to 1 of 75 dental practices for a routine cleaning visit. We found that those in the self-help SLT cessation program were older, more educated, more likely to have made a serious quit attempt, and used more SLT weekly than those who did not seek treatment. Secondly, we compared SLT users seeking treatment in three different treatment settings varying in accessibility and intensity: self-help study participants, SLT users enrolled in a clinic-based study, and callers to the California Help Line for SLT cessation. Participants differed across the three studies on demographics, some measures of dependence, and history of SLT use.

Conscientiousness, perceived risk, and risk-reduction behaviors: a preliminary study.

Participants (N = 343) from an Oregon community completed surveys at baseline, 3 months, and 12 months to assess personality, the perceived health risk of radon in combination with smoking, and changes in smoking behavior. Conscientiousness predicted instituting a more restrictive household smoking rule (p < .01), and perceived risk predicted reduction in cigarettes smoked per day for men (p < .001). Perceived risk predicted a reduction in the proportion of cigarettes smoked in the home for those who had high (p < .05) but not low or moderate levels of Conscientiousness, a dimension in one personality model. The results demonstrate the importance of Conscientiousness in the prediction of health behavior, particularly behavior that affects others as well as oneself.

Using radon risk to motivate smoking reduction: evaluation of written materials and brief telephone counselling.

OBJECTIVE: Radon and cigarette smoking have synergistic effects on lung cancer, even when radon concentrations are relatively low. Working through an electric utility company, we sought to reach smoking households with low radon concentrations and motivate smoking cessation or prohibiting smoking in the home. DESIGN: Eligible homes (n = 714) were randomised to receive: (1) the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) "A citizen's guide to radon"; (2) a specially developed pamphlet; or (3) that pamphlet plus brief telephone counselling. PROCEDURE: Utility company "bill stuffers" offered free radon test kits to smoking households. All households received radon test results with an explanatory cover letter. Both the specially developed pamphlet and the telephone counselling emphasised that smoking cessation or prohibiting smoking in the home were the optimal risk reduction strategies. Households were followed up at 3 and 12 months after receiving materials. RESULTS: The specially developed pamphlet and the EPA guide yielded similar outcomes. There was a non-significant trend for telephone counselling to produce greater sustained quitting than the specially developed pamphlet, and phone counselling led to significantly more new household smoking bans. CONCLUSIONS: Working through a public utility company is an efficient way to reach smoking households, and brief telephone counselling is a promising method for promoting household smoking bans and cessation in homes alerted to the risk posed by the combination of radon and smoking.

Evaluating two self-help interventions for smokeless tobacco cessation.

The need for effective, low-cost self-help treatment methods for smokeless tobacco (ST) addiction becomes more evident as rates of product use and associated morbidities increase. This study evaluated two self-help methods for ST cessation. One hundred ninety-eight ST users were randomized into two conditions: half received the LifeSign, a credit card-sized computer designed for gradual ST cessation, and half received the Enough Snuff self-help manual and a video. Subjects in both conditions received telephone support for their quit effort. The study was conducted entirely through phone and mail, allowing delivery of the intervention to both rural and urban users. Self-reported rates of sustained abstinence (no tobacco use at two months and six months) were 24.5% for the manual/video condition, and 18.4%, for the LifeSign condition.

Radon and cigarette smoking: perceptions of this synergistic health risk.

Past approaches to the measurement of the perceived risk of combined hazards have failed to demonstrate awareness of synergy (S. E. Hampson et al., 1998; D. Hermand, E. Mullet, & B. Coutelle, 1995; D. Hermand, E. Mullet, & S. Lavieville, 1997). Respondents (N = 650) were provided with information about the synergistic risk of lung cancer from the combination of smoking and radon, and their risk perceptions were assessed on two occasions. At Time 1, using Likert-type scales, there was no evidence of synergistic risk perception. At Time 2, using a scale based on the appraisal of relative risk with anchors allowing for the expression of synergy, the combined hazard of radon and smoking was rated as significantly more of a health risk than the single hazards. The findings are discussed in terms of methodological issues in assessing synergistic risk.

Apparent autoinduction of valproate beta-oxidation in humans.

AIMS: The study aimed to show whether autoinduction of valproate (VPA) along its beta-oxidation pathway occurred upon chronic dosing in humans. METHODS: Twelve young volunteers without active illness took sodium valproate (NaVPA) 200 mg orally 12 hourly for 3 weeks. On days 7 and 21, serial blood samples and all urine passed over an interdosing interval from 08.00 to 20.00 h were collected for analysis of VPA and certain metabolites. RESULTS: Plasma AUC(0,12 h) of VPA was significantly lower on day 21 than on day 7 (2.40 vs 2.84 micromol ml-1 h, 95% CI for the difference 0.13-0.81 micromol ml-1 h). Significant differences in plasma AUC(0,12 h) of the beta-oxidation metabolites E-2-en-VPA and 3-oxo-VPA were not found. However, formation clearances of plasma VPA to urinary E-2-en-VPA and 3-oxo-VPA were significantly increased from day 7 to day 21 (0. 010 vs 0.024 and 2.57 vs 3.60 ml kg-1 h-1, respectively, 95% CI for the differences -0.025 to -0.004 and -1.72 to -0.34 ml kg-1 h-1, respectively). Formation clearances to VPA-glucuronide (0.534 vs 0. 505 ml kg-1 h-1) and 4-OH-VPA (0.112 vs 0.110 ml kg-1 h-1) were not significantly different. CONCLUSIONS: Regular low dose VPA intake in humans over a period of 3 weeks appears to be associated with a small induction of its metabolism by the beta-oxidation pathway, but not by glucuronidation or 4-hydroxylation.

Adolescent and family predictors of physical aggression, communication, and satisfaction in young adult couples: a prospective analysis.

This study tested a model wherein the family conflict, depression, and antisocial behavior of 254 adolescents (mean age = 17 years; 63% female) are prospectively related to functioning within a marital (51%) or dating relationship in young adulthood (mean age = 23 years). Family aversive communication in adolescence and adolescent antisocial behavior predicted couple physical aggression. Family aversive communication predicted dyadic satisfaction and aversive couple communication for married women and dating men. Among those with partners who reported little antisocial behavior, adolescent antisocial behavior inversely predicted couple satisfaction and facilitative behavior. Partner antisocial behavior did not mediate the relation between adolescent characteristics and couple functioning. Findings emphasize the importance of the early family environment and psychopathology of the adolescent in the development of adaptive couple relationships.

A self-help cessation program for smokeless tobacco users: comparison of two interventions.

While the use of smokeless tobacco products has increased, there has been a paucity of research evaluating interventions to help users quit. This study is the first large-scale randomized trial evaluating two levels of self-help cessation intervention with adult smokeless tobacco (SLT) users. Smokeless users in five Northwest states were recruited to call a toll-free number and 1069 users were randomized to receive one of two interventions, Manual Only (MAN) or Assisted Self-Help (ASH), who received a video and two support phone calls in addition to the manual. The study demonstrated that low-cost minimal interventions done by mail and phone can help a sizable proportion of SLT users quit both SLT and all tobacco use. Follow-up data at 6 months showed that subjects in the ASH condition had a significantly higher quit rate for both smokeless (23.4% vs. 18.4%, p < 0.05) and all tobacco use (21.1% vs. 16.5%, p < 0.05), using an intent-to-treat model. Further analysis revealed that use of the recommended cessation procedures mediated the effect of intervention condition on outcomes. This may be the result of phone counselors getting subjects to carry out behavioral cessation procedures. Public health implications for this intervention are discussed.

Radon-smoking synergy: A population-based behavioral risk reduction approach.

BACKGROUND: Radon and cigarette smoking have a synergistic, multiplicative effect on lung cancer rates. Smokers, and perhaps nonsmoking residents, of smoking households are at increased risk for lung cancer even when radon levels are relatively low. A behavioral risk reduction strategy emphasizing smoking cessation is proposed and data are presented from pilot studies and a short-term evaluation of a randomized intervention trial. METHODS: Pilot studies, including radon testing, interviews, questionnaires, and focus groups, led to a three-arm randomized intervention trial comparing two kinds of written materials and telephone counseling. Smoking households were recruited by offering free radon test kits through an electric utility companies billing system. Three-month follow-up data were obtained by mail and phone. RESULTS: Of an estimated 2,600 smoking households in the utility district, 1,220 requested a radon test kit, and 714 were randomized into three treatment conditions. Brief phone counseling (up to two short calls) significantly increased smoking quit rates, compared to written materials only, and was also related to other risk reduction behaviors (e.g., household ban on smoking). CONCLUSIONS: Offering free radon testing through a public utility billing system is an effective recruitment tool for reaching households at risk due to radon-smoking synergy. Brief telephone counseling is superior to written materials in reducing smoking and encouraging indoor smoking bans. Methods are needed to better inform smokers of their additional risk from exposure to even low levels of radon.

Evaluation of a dental office tobacco cessation program: effects on smokeless tobacco use.

We describe a randomized trial designed to evaluate the effectiveness of a smokeless tobacco cessation intervention delivered by dental hygienists as part of a patient's regularly scheduled cleaning visit. Seventy-five practices were randomized to continue their usual care (n=25; 239 smokeless tobacco using patients enrolled) or to receive training to provide a tobacco cessation intervention (n=50; 394 smokeless tobacco using patients enrolled). Patient reports indicated that the training program was successful in getting hygienists to implement the intervention. The intervention produced a strong effect on sustained quitting for smokeless tobacco users but had no impact on secondary outcomes, including unsuccessful quit attempts, future intent to quit using smokeless tobacco, and change in readiness to quit using. Frequency of smokeless tobacco use and receipt of specific components of the intervention, including the video and written materials, predicted sustained cessation. Since this intervention was delivered by dental hygienists as part of a patient's regularly scheduled cleaning visit, it is easily disseminable.

Developing a brief measure of smoking in the home: description and preliminary evaluation.

We describe a self-report measure of household smoking exposure and its relationship to ambient nicotine levels as measured by a passive nicotine monitor. Thirty-nine participants placed a passive nicotine monitor in their home for a 7-day period and completed a retrospective household smoking questionnaire. The composite index from the household smoking questionnaire was strongly correlated with air nicotine concentration (r = .74, p < .01). The household smoking questionnaire appears to be a convenient low-response cost method of assessing indoor smoke exposure.